‘Parliamentary know-how must to become politician’

Nagpur: Assimilating the parliamentary know-how, culture and adeptness is the only course of action for students to flourish as future politicians, believes the former judge of Supreme Court Vikas Sirpurkar. “When the opposition decides to voice their opinions instead of holding their tongue, we can validate the existence of democracy,” he said, on Monday.

Justice Sirpurkar was delivering the presidential address at the inaugural function of the 3rd edition of Vidarbha Student Parliament, at Deshpande Hall, Civil Lines. The event was presented by Govindrao Wanjari College of Engineering and Technology. Marathi actress and author Nishigandha Wad was the guest of honour.

President of Amar Seva Mandal Suhasini Wanjari, secretary Abhijit Wanjari, treasurer Smita Wanjari and director of Wanjari Group of Institutions Hemant Sonare were present.

In his prologue, Sonare said, “National policies must accommodate the representation of the educated youth. The purpose of organizing this event is to instill the attributes of a politician into young minds.”

“Knowledge derived from books is constrained to certain conditions and environment. The real world follows the law of change. Thus, the students should reap the benefits of being guided by the illustrious panel of speakers,” said Abhijit. Giving examples of BR Ambedkar, APJ Abdul Kalam, Amitabh Bachchan, Dhirubhai Ambani and Sachin Tendulkar, he encouraged the students to imbibe their principles of adherence, commitment and conviction, in order to triumph.

Addressing the gathering, Wad said, “This event is a dynamic endeavour to provide opportunities and exposure to the students who are global citizens. Participation is a great investment that will help streamline the beliefs and reasonings.”

Later in the evening, four sessions were conducted that witnessed around 20 speakers. Spokesperson of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Sachin Sawant was the chairman and president of Swayatt Social Organization Vishal Muttemwar was the co-chairman for the first session on the topic ‘Is political vendetta termite eating away nation's progress?’

The second session, ‘Functioning NGO or government system: More shades of grey than black or white’, was chaired by director of Prayas Savarkar Avinash Saoji and Vidarbha Pramukh, Pani foundation Chinmay Futane.

‘Are religious sentiments taking gradual hold of Indian democracy?’, the third session, was chaired by spiritual guru at Sanjeevani Wellness Gajanand Dada.

International chess grandmaster Abhijit Kunte was the chairperson for the fourth session on ‘Changing trends in Indian sports: Will it emerge more dynamically or remain neglected?’